Tears have been flowing freely in Wallaroos camp this week as the team prepares to farewell two of their greatest players against Scotland in Canberra on Friday.
Flanker Emily Chancellor (41 Tests) and centre Cecilia Smith (33) will hang up their boots at international level after the WXV Global Series clash at GIO Stadium.
Emily Chancellor celebrates scoring a try during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final. Getty
Chancellor, 35, started playing rugby as a 21-year-old at Sydney University and was named Wallaroos player of the season in her maiden international campaign in 2018.
The NSW Waratahs stalwart captained Australia in 2025 after recovering from a serious knee injury that ruined her 2024 season.
“It’s been such a rollercoaster of emotions, but it’s time for me,” Chancellor said while fighting back tears at her press conference.
“I know that not many people get an opportunity to make this decision themselves, so I’m really proud to be able to walk away on my terms.
“I’ve been inundated with messages today, which is really lovely, but I’m just really proud of the time I’ve put in and the contribution to the game.
“If you told me then that I would have been playing internationally for eight years, I would have probably laughed at you.”
Chancellor still has vivid memories of her Wallaroos debut against New Zealand in Sydney in 2018.
“I was so terrified. I remember sitting in the change room thinking, ‘oh my goodness, I’m playing against another country.’ It was an emotional rollercoaster throughout the week,” Chancellor said.
“I’ve come a long way since then and to have that moment last week in Sydney (beating Scotland 56-12 at Accor Stadium) to go full circle was special.”
Chancellor will start in the No.7 jersey in the season-ending clash with Scotland.
“It’s a really special place and team,” she said.
Emily Chancellor at her retirement press conference. Stan
“I wouldn’t have pushed myself and my body and made the choices to choose this lifestyle for so many years if it wasn’t worth it. It’s a sisterhood we have, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
Smith, meanwhile, informed teammates of her retirement decision after Chancellor.
The 32-year-old was born in Samoa and took up rugby as a 22-year-old with the Leeton Dianas.
A mother to daughter Ruby, Smith made her Wallaroos debut in 2022 and quickly became a regular and dynamic fixture in midfield.
“I’m just a country girl from Leeton who decided to give footy a crack after having my little girl, and somehow I ended up here representing Australia,” Smith said.
“I’ve been a part of this team for a long time now, and rugby has given me so much more than I ever expected, but I’m excited for the next chapter now.
“I’ve had the privilege of representing my country, playing in two World Cups, travelling the world, making lifelong friendships, and sharing special memories with amazing women.
Cecilia Smith of Australia celebrates scoring her team’s eighth try. Getty
“We’ve shared some incredible moments, and those are the things I’ll remember and cherish the most.”
Wallaroos coach Tim Walsh paid tribute to Smith’s influence after naming her to start at No.12.
“Cecilia has been a consistent player throughout her career for the Wallaroos. She is quiet and humble but brings a great presence to the team that won’t be easily replaced,” Walsh said.
“Her love for her teammates, her family and the game is inspiring, and she has left the jersey in a better place.”
Prop Eva Karpani, meanwhile, is set to become just the second Wallaroos player to reach 50 caps after being named on the bench.
The 30-year-old from South Australia joins lock Michaela Leonard in the 50 club.
Karpani is determined to send Chancellor and Smith off as winners.
“Two girls (retiring) in the one campaign was a really tough to pill to swallow, especially two really inspirational women,” she said.
Stan Sport has coverage from 7pm AEDT with kickoff at 7.30pm.
Wallaroos (1-15): Allana Sikimeti, Tania Naden, Faliki Pohiva, Kaitlan Leaney, Tiarah Minns, Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c), Emily Chancellor, Piper Duck, Samantha Wood, Waiaria Ellis, Amelia Whitaker, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Faitala Moleka
Reserves: Brittany Merlo, Brianna Hoy, Eva Karpani, Michaela Leonard, Pia Tapsell, Lily Bone, Piper Simons, Ella Ryan
Watch the Wallaroos in action against Scotland in the WXV Global Series. Add the Stan Sport package to watch rugby live and on demand with no ad-breaks in play